Which Press

[Pop Gun]

OK guys I'm still a virgin with my reloading, but you already know that. Hay, I'm NOT too proud that I'm NOT the sharpest pencil in the drawer. At Least, I'll admit to it face to face. At Any Rate,
As I indicated in my introduction post, I have a Hornady A/P press and a Lee LoadMaster along with a single turret press that I'm assuming would be for decapping, etc. I have been able to pickup other and different die kits (which the other 1/2 DOESN'T need to know about, catch my drift).
My question is, How do I set my equipment up ? What would be the Best and Most efficient use of the Hornady vs the Lee presses.
With the deals that I did, I have RCBS Pro Digital Scale, RCBS Powder Master Electronic Dispenser.
Like I said, numerous die kits that I believed would serve my needs. Which I will list, so that You Guys (i'm hoping) will guide me down the right path.
Just my Saturday afternoon time alone in MY world. Waiting for my 2 Grand Bratts (Granddaughters 5 & 8, MY BREATH) to be exhausted from sled riding with their friends.
That's it, Input SO Very Much Appreciated.
THANKS,
Dennis

 

[Spike A]

it’s hard to tell someone how to set up a progressive... my 2 cents is find a single stage ... learn on that first then maybe switch to a progressive for certain things ..

 

[morpheus]

Old drawing of the death of Giles Corey (Sept. 19, 1692) by being pressed with heavy stones for failing to enter a plea to the charge of being a witch during the Salem Witch Trials.

Sorry. I couldn't resist...

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

What you should do is throw the presses in a lake or a river. Whichever one does not sink is the one witch you want to use.

 

[Tommie]

Old drawing of the death of Giles Corey (Sept. 19, 1692) by being pressed with heavy stones for failing to enter a plea to the charge of being a witch during the Salem Witch Trials.
View attachment 1234223
Sorry. I couldn't resist...

Beat me to it.

 

[caihlen]

Burn them both for heresy.

 

[Sniper338]

I just came for a witch joke. But was beat to it.

 

[Bill K]

First and foremost read the instructions that came with the press. If they are not there, then google a set up or call the company and obtain one. The read it and follow directions.
By then you will know which press to use, and may ever set them both up, for a couple operations/cartridges.

 

[Turbulent Turtle]

I just came for a witch joke. But was beat to it.

That's because you're too slow. Next time, check to see if the witch is coming in on a regularly scheduled broom.

 

[JMayo]

You tube videos would be a start if you don't have a mentor.

 

[Snuggie]

Does it have a broom handle for a lever? i would recommend a single stage press to start with. Preferably one without the broom handle! Good shooting, stay safe!

 

[Rustytigwire]

As stated above. Instructions!
You can load plenty with single press.
Get or make some blocks that hold 10 or 20 cartridges and do them in small batches.
Prime 20, 50 or 100.
Powder drop one set of 10 or 20.
Look inside EVERY ONE for powder
Establish seating depth.
Load your bullets and seat.
Look them over.
Anything wrong you just have a few to deal with.
Read and read some more.
You can do it.

 

[Big_Daddy]

Redding T-7 press

 

[6ShotsOr5?]

You didn’t mention what type of shooting you are reloading for. Hunting / varmint, steel matches, bench rest, ...? With a little more information, you might get some more specific advice along with more humor. Good luck!

 

[R.Morehouse]

I suggest that after you size your cases you put them primer hole facing up. By doing this you may avoid putting powder in unprimed cases........It Happens.....

Regards
Rick

 

[The German]

Besides the funny jokes here, I suggest you find somebody in your area who is willed to get you introduced into reloading, shows you how to set up the dies, explains how to read a reloading manual for load data (you can also go to most powder or bullet manufacturer's websites to find the data). May be a good idea to share where you live.
For setting up the presses, check youtube, there are plenty of good videos at least for the Loadmaster.
Missing in your equipment list is a caliper (a cheap one < $20 e.g. from Amazon will do) and if you want shiny brass, get some sort of tumbler, either corn cob media tumbler or a wet tumbler with steel pins (I have been using the Frankford Arsenal one for several years and brass comes out like brand new).
Last, but not least, try to get your hands on components... probably the more challenging part. Which calibers do you want to reload? And is it for plinking or competition shooting? That will drive which brass, which bullets, which powder and which primers you should try to get.

 

[Pop Gun]

You didn’t mention what type of shooting you are reloading for. Hunting / varmint, steel matches, bench rest, ...? With a little more information, you might get some more specific advice along with more humor. Good luck!

Just practice shooting here at my house, from 10 to maybe 50 ' at the most. Home Protection.
Thanks 6ShotsOr5?

 

[Pop Gun]

I suggest that after you size your cases you put them primer hole facing up. By doing this you may avoid putting powder in unprimed cases........It Happens.....

Regards
Rick

Got It, Thanks

 

[Pop Gun]

Thanks For The Input, German
I have a buddy that has been reloading for years, he is going to be working with me.
I've been reading a lot from Nornady & Lee Data books, along with a lot, a lot of You Tube.
I'm NW of Balto. 35 miles.
I have pretty much all measuring tools, mostly Starrett, also my son is a machinist with anything that I may need.
In the process of making both tumblers, (1) Wet (1) Dry. 3 gal. capacity each.
Been picking components up from Ebay, Craigslist, Amazon, etc.
Also, setting up to process and producing my own bullets. Have a new Lee 4/20 melter. Setting it up with the MyPid Temp. Controller. Picked up (4) different Lee molds.
Will reloading 40 S&W, 38 SPL, 44 Mag, 30/30, 30.06, .223/5.56, 308.
I have a pretty good start on primers but always looking for MORE. I'm going to try my hand at reloading primers also, we'll see how that goes.
Plinking and Home Security.

Thanks German,